Boxie hissing?? Gasping??

[gabby.santana]

Every time I pick up my 3 toed boxie he makes these hissing/gasping sounds. My dad thinks he's hissing at me because he doesn't want to be picked up. He's done this since day 1. But he has never bit me. He also makes them when he gets spooked.
Does anyone else's boxie do this?

 

[keepergale]

Yes. They are just expelling air as their head and limbs are pulled in.

 

[dmmj]

it's a reaction to being picked up they withdraw quickly & the air comes out. I think it's also a defense mechanism against predators

 

[gabby.santana]

Oh ok thanks guys that makes sense. I usually try talking to him and gently rub his shell before I pick him up